Violence Against Women in Northern Ireland
It is a matter of shame that Northern Ireland is considered the most dangerous part of the UK for women, according to the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn. He expressed deep sorrow and shame over the extent of violence against women and girls in the region.
Benn made these remarks in the House of Commons following the recent murders of two women and the conviction of a man for the murder of Natalie McNally. Since 2020, 30 women have been violently killed in Northern Ireland.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) chief constable has also voiced serious concerns about the police force's ability to address violence against women and girls effectively.
The Northern Ireland Secretary's comments came during a session on Wednesday, responding to a question from Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) leader Claire Hanna. Hanna referenced the recent deaths of Ellie Flanagan in Enniskillen and Amy Doherty in Londonderry.
"We grieve with their families and we commend the family of Natalie McNally who with decency and dignity finally got justice,"
Hanna described the levels of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland as "outrageous and distressing," calling it a "menace and threat."
Benn also informed the Commons about Labour's Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, which aims to close a loophole in previous Conservative government legislation concerning sexual offences during the Troubles. He stated,
"There will now be a means of investigating any sexual-related offences that occurred during the period of the Troubles."
'Acceptance Around Misogyny'
Earlier, PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher addressed MPs, expressing significant concerns about the force's capacity to handle violence against women and girls. He emphasized his commitment to prioritizing the PSNI's seven-year action plan launched in 2022, which aims to end such violence.
However, Boutcher highlighted that funding limitations are hindering progress. He remarked on a troubling societal shift, noting an apparent "acceptance around misogyny" not previously observed.
Boutcher cited the rise of controversial online figures such as Andrew Tate as "abhorrent" and stressed the need for society to establish clear boundaries, stating,
"...draw a line and say this is not acceptable."
Amy Doherty Murder Investigation
Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck, who also appeared before MPs, paid tribute to the family of Amy Doherty. Beck revealed he was the duty officer who received the call on the morning of the incident.
"Your heart sinks when you're faced with another terrible situation... but within minutes officers were at the scene working hard to preserve life,"
He added that the investigation is progressing rapidly but noted a staffing shortfall within the PSNI, stating,
"The reality is that when I look at my detectives across the PSNI, we're just probably under 300 short of where we should be."
Beck acknowledged that this shortage impacts the force's ability to investigate and safeguard across all criminal areas, particularly serious incidents.
Last week, safeguarding minister Jess Phillips updated MPs on efforts to address attitudes and behaviors online, stating that Stormont is not lagging behind other regions in tackling the problem.
Boutcher linked his concerns about police resourcing to the handling of the case involving extreme online abuser Alexander McCartney. In 2024, McCartney from County Armagh received a life sentence with a minimum of 20 years for online sexual abuse of children and the manslaughter of a 12-year-old girl.
The police referred their response to the Police Ombudsman, who found the force lacked "sufficient resources" to manage such cases effectively.
Boutcher outlined the financial challenges ahead, noting that based on the proposed draft multi-year budget for Northern Ireland, which the executive has yet to approve, the PSNI faces a funding gap starting at £65 million next year, increasing to £96 million the following year, and reaching £118 million by 2028-29.
